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mixed emotions but ok

Sail Date:
March 2011

Destination:
Middle East

Embarkation:
Dubai

we didn't choose the ship or the company, but we went for the Middle East itinerary.

having sailed in owners suites on both Holland America and Royal Caribbean, we knew it would be a bit of a step back, but, as we sailed with Carnival in suites as well, we got exactly what we expected.

nice ship, o.k. food (but not at lunchtime, not even in the main restaurant) and nice entertainment (except for the theater shows, they were below par, not to mention the "VIP captains cocktail party", which was a absolute no-go)

cabin is nice and clean, not so roomy, but ok; strange thing however that these most expensive cabins on the ship are placed outside of the slightly more upscale "samsara" section.

HUGE (and I mean HUGE)wrap around balcony is fantastic, but next time I would rather be midships or forward, were all other cruise lines put their suites: it is just to noisy and shaky: vibrations from propulsion and ventilation put the room and veranda in a constant More
tremor and, when it's located on deck eight, be sure to be awakened every morning at 06.30 when the deck crew starts shovelling the deckchairs around don't be lured by the "butler service" because it is almost non-existent.

if you plan to buy drinks on a regular basis, be sure to buy the not-advertised "L2" drinking package before you sail, it includes (almost) all drinks, e.g. squeezed O.J., sparkling water, espresso, but also wine and liquor.

once on the ship you cannot obtain this package and drinks are relatively expensive!

we sailed during the Middle East Upraise, so the cruise line had to adjust it's itinerary, scrapping Bahrain from it and adding an extra half day at sea, what I didn't mind, partly for that I prefer as many sea days as possible on a cruise, partly because the ports of call were not that great to start with.

Oman/Muscat is by far the best p.o.c., atmosphere there could come closest to what one expects from the fairy tale middle east. (don't forget to visit the Grand Mosque, you will have to start early because it closes at 11.00 a.m., but, being in the Panorama Suite that won't be a problem for reasons mentioned above)

Forget about Fujeirah (stay on the ship or be ripped of by the tour desks' beach tours).

Abu Dhabi's skyline and corniche is great, but, partly because we were there on Friday, it lacks atmosphere Less